The London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, sounds like one of those funny British idiosyncrasies, like warm beer or the royal family. But if you have an adjustable-rate mortgage or a student loan tied to the LIBOR, you will not be amused by what's been happening to this index in recent weeks.

The average employee's health care costs, including premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, will increase 8.9% in 2009, according to Hewitt Associates. That's well above the rate of inflation and average salary increases. For that reason, it's more important than ever to scrutinize your employer's health care options during open enrollment season.

Old photographs of Depression-era bank runs are popping up all over the place, and that raises a couple of questions. Why don't people wear hats anymore? And, more important, could this happen to your bank?

Investors who stash their cash in money market funds, certificates of deposit or fixed-rate annuities aren't looking for big gains. They just want to protect their principal and earn a little bit of interest.

One thing the past few months have taught us is this: No company is bulletproof. Reversals of fortune for companies such as Bear Stearns offer a cautionary lesson for employees who are allowed to invest in their company's stock through their 401(k) plan.

Though some lenders are still offering private student loans, "The list is shrinking," says Kevin Walker, chief executive of SimpleTuition, a website that allows borrowers to compare loan rates. Last year, he says, SimpleTuition featured 77 lenders on its website; now, it has only 16.

Years ago, Congress sought to ease the financial burden facing many parents who adopt a child from overseas by enacting a generous tax credit. This year, eligible parents can claim a tax credit of up to $11,650, per child, to cover adoption expenses. But tougher restrictions on international adoptions could force prospective parents to wait longer to claim the adoption tax credit and some might not be able to claim it at all.

But in the world of credit reports, an "authorized user" is someone who is allowed to use another individual's credit card without being responsible for the bill. That sounds like a sweet deal for the authorized user. But millions of people with good credit use this strategy to help their children or spouses build a solid credit history. Thanks to a recent turnaround by Fair Isaac, developer of the widely used FICO score, this avenue to good credit will continue to be available.

Over the weekend, the Senate approved housing bailout legislation that's primarily designed to help troubled homeowners and slow the rate of foreclosures. But the legislation, which President Bush is expected to sign this week, also includes provisions that could help families who are in no danger of losing their homes.